Voting

Capital Metro buses are free on Election Day.

Also, if you’ve gotten services from our Homelessness Response System (HRS) in the last few years, or if you’re currently unhoused, you’re probably eligible for a free two-year bus pass to use any time. Learn how to get one at this link.

The links below are lists of polling locations for early voting and Election Day.

Note: Locations with a bus icon next to them are within a 5-minute walk or less from a bus stop.

Early Voting (Monday, October 21 – Friday, November 1)

Early Voting Locations (PDF)

Election Day (Tuesday, November 5)

Election Day Locations (PDF)

1. How do I check if I’m registered to vote?

You can check the Texas Secretary of State’s website to see if you’re registered. Important: Because change of address requests must be submitted at least 30 days before an election, if you’re registered and the county is any besides Travis County, you’ll have to vote in that county for this election.

2. Can I vote without an address?

Yes, you can vote by listing the location where you “reside” in Texas on your voter registration. You can use your shelter’s address on your voter registration form if that is your home and the fixed place you return to. If you are homeless, then you can describe the location that you return to regularly that you consider your home, such as by listing your street corner or park. (Courtesy of the Texas Civil Rights Project)

3. Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?

Yes, as long as you’re “off-paper,” have completed all of the terms of your sentence (including any parole, supervision, and/or probation), and you’re registered to vote in Travis County (see question 1). (Courtesy of the Texas State Law Library)

4. Can I still vote even if I don’t have an ID with my current address on it?

Yes, the ID you use to vote does not need to have your current address on it. For a list of IDs you can use to vote, you can find more information at VoteTexas.gov. (Courtesy of the Texas Civil Rights Project)

5. What if I don’t have a photo ID?

You can still vote without a photo ID, but you’ll another form of identifying document. There’s a list of acceptable documents here. If you vote with one of these documents rather than a photo ID, you’ll also need to fill out a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration” form when you get to the polls. Here’s an example of that form (PDF).

6. Can I get an ID before Election Day?

Yes, but you’ll need to get the process started soon. It takes about 10 business days, on average, for an ID to be mailed to a service provider by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). So, for example, if you go to the Charlie Center to get your ID, go no later than October 17 to ensure there’s time to pick up your ID before Election Day. Here’s a list of other providers that can help with ID.

7. Is there somewhere safe I can store my ID documents that I’ll need to vote?

The Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) can store vital documents (ID, Driver License, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Voter Registration, Passport, Certificate of Naturalization etc.). To access the service, visit DACC’s walk-in case management at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Rd.) to make the request. Staff recommends visiting prior to 2 p.m. to ensure you can see a case manager.

8. How do I use the voting machine?

Travis County has a website dedicated to explaining the process. Click here to learn more. There’s also a helpful video that shows the process, which you can watch below.

9. Can I vote by mail?

Yes, Travis County allows for mail-in voting if you meet any of the following criteria:

• 65 years of age or older on Election Day
• Sick or disabled
• Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
• Away from the county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period
• Confined in jail, but eligible to vote

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 25, 2024. Learn more about mail-in voting in Travis County here.

10. I registered to vote, but my voter registration card hasn’t come in. What should I do?

When you register, you’ll receive your official registration card within 30 days. If you haven’t received your card within 30 days, you can call the Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Office at (512) 854-9473. (Note: If you registered in person with a volunteer deputy registrar, it might take a little longer than 30 days because they have 5 calendar days to turn in your registration form.)

Travis County provides supports and resources to help people vote who have a variety of accessibility needs. Learn more about the options available at the link below.

Travis County Accessibility

Travis County allows for mail-in voting if you meet any of the following criteria:

• 65 years of age or older on Election Day
• Sick or disabled
• Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
• Away from the county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period
• Confined in jail, but eligible to vote

How to request a mail-in ballot

To request a mail-in ballot, click this link to visit the Travis County Elections Division website; download, print, and complete the application; and mail it back to or drop it off in person at the Travis County Elections Division Office (address below).

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 25, 2024.

Note: This is the date it must be received by the Travis County Clerk’s Office. If you’re mailing in your application, make sure to mail it a few days early. Otherwise, you’ll need to drop off the application in person no later than October 25 at this address:

Track Your Ballot

Watch recordings of panels hosted by the City of Austin to meet the candidates running in our local elections:

Local Candidates’ Panels 

Want to know what your ballot will look like? Visit vote411.org to search by your location and find ballot information, check your registration, find upcoming debates near you, and more.

vote411.org

Want to learn more about the issues and candidates? The League of Women Voters (LWV) publishes a non-partisan Voter’s Guide every election cycle. It won’t tell you how to vote – just what you’re voting on. The guide will be available at the link below by October 11, 2024.

LWV Guide

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas put together a guide for what to do if you face discrimination at the polls. Find the resource at the link below, along with a hotline to call if you have problems voting.

ACLU – Know Your Rights

If you want to be an election worker during early voting or on Election Day, please visit the link below. All positions are paid.

Become an election worker